SPRINGFIELD – To enhance much-needed transportation improvements across the state, State Senator Doris Turner joined the Illinois Department of Transportation in announcing nearly $9.5 million for 20 organizations to support their planning and developing efforts, including $240,000 for Springfield and Sangamon County.

“Springfield and Sangamon County continue to grow,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Time, planning and research go into every aspect of transportation projects. I’m all in for investing in the studies around the region that are bound to benefit our region for years to come.”

Administered by IDOT using $7.5 million in federal funds, the grants are designed to advance the objectives of the agency’s Long-Range Transportation Plan. Among the criteria considered were projects that implement asset-management strategies and performance-based planning and programming, as well as activities that grow and support economically distressed areas.

Applicants included local and state agencies, universities, metropolitan planning organizations and regional planning commissions. The Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission, located in Turner’s district, will receive $240,000 for the West Loop/South Growth Area study updates.

For the full list of awards and breakdown of funding sources, visit IDOT’s planning page.